IPB Pride of Place 2025 Competition, Main Competition Categories Awards:presented by John Hogan, Chair, IPB Insurance, John Moran, Mayor of Limerick and Tom Dowling, Chair of Pride of Place.. Special Award,. Accessible Counselling Tullamore, Co Offaly. Picture: Keith Wiseman

Outstanding Offaly groups recognised at Pride of Place awards

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Offaly celebrated two major wins at the all-Ireland IPB Pride of Place community awards in Limerick on Friday, November 7, with Clonfanlough Hall Committee and Accessible Counselling Tullamore both taking home a Judges Special Award for their work.

Also recognised on the evening was Ballycommon Telework & Training Centre CLG which came runner up in the Inclusive Communities category, losing out to Kingspan Breffni in Cavan.

Judges praised the determination of the Clonfanlough Hall Committee.

“The judges were particularly impressed by the dynamism and dedication of the voluntary group which was formed quite recently and have achieved so much in a very short space of time.

“The Hall is truly the heart of the community enjoyed by all generations and the judges got the opportunity to engage with many of the users who enthusiastically shared their appreciation to the Hall Committee for taking care of this important community asset.”

The committee thanked Offaly County Council and Offaly Public Participation Network for their support, as well as extending their thanks to the local community.

"We want to say a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful community, to everyone who supports the hall by coming along to events and activities, to all our amazing volunteers, our past and present committees, and the local businesses who continue to help us along the way."

Accessible Counselling Tullamore was recognised for the impact they were having, noting their 'non-judgmental' approach.

"The outcomes achieved are measured on their CORE system and prove the positive impacts on the clients.

“This group was exceptional, both in terms of the service they provide and the way they provide it and in how they have planned to make it sustainable into the future. Their professional approach to an organisation which is run on a voluntary basis is outstanding.

The awards, hosted by comedian and broadcaster Dermot Whelan, took place in Limerick’s Strand Hotel, with 400 community volunteers in attendance.

Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 23 years ago though a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.

It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.

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